Chapter 1

SARAH

“What are you all doing here?! God! Filthy things!” Mr Dave cursed as he walked hurriedly towards us, his eyes hot as coal. We were twenty girls all lined up like prisoners, a black skater maid dress that barely covered our bodies as we waited behind the long velvet curtains that seperated us from the crowd.

Mr Dave, a fat and shabby looking man, counted us before smiling triumphantly to himself like he had just won a trophy. “You all are lucky you’re complete, if one of you went missing, I would have dealt with every single one of you whores”he scoffed, but nobody dared say a word against him.

We knew better than to yell back at the man who offered us a chance of earning even though it was through a degrading source.

“Well do you want me to spell out your duties?! Fucking get out and go on stage. Your buyers are waiting for you!” he ordered and we each scurried out like defenceless prisoners, awaiting our fate in the hands of those vile men.

I never wanted this sort of job or life for myself, but life played a nasty game on me.

Growing up was not easy for me. After losing both my parents to a fatal car accident, my brother, Noah, was the only person I had and I struggled to take care of him. Even going as far as dropping out of school to reduce the amount of bills I had to settle.

I took on little jobs and we survived from hand to mouth up until my grandma came to take care of us.

Life grew less tough and I no longer hard to work round the clock to cater for I and my brother. I began saving money to return back to high school but then it all came crashing down when grandma was diagnosed with cancer. It was a futile effort to get her hale again. I used up all my savings and even had to resort to borrowing but it just was not enough.

I could barely feed us all not to mention treating something as deadly as cancer. But fortunately or should I say unfortunately, I met a certain trickster, James, in the café I once worked. He was the one who told me about this job.

It was an offer that could not be resisted. I badly needed a well paying job to tackle the growing debts and bills in my life. I was then introduced to Mr Dave, the brain behind this job.

All I had to do was to sell myself every year to different individuals and I would get paid handsomely. Of course Dave would get a percentage of every income as the evil mastermind behind such an occupation.

The hall was greatly adorned, my eyes perusing through the sea of individuals as we stood on the podium that separated us from the crowd of howling men. Chandeliers were hung on different ends, casting their radiant glow over the meticulously arranged rounded tables and red chairs conveniently placed all around.

Scented candles sat on each table over gold soft fabrics that covered the tables. The air was chilly, carrying a sickening scent of sex, alcohol and drugs.

“Hi beautiful? May I know your name?” A young man approached me on the podium, his lips curving to a charming smile. The remaining girls passed me glances as I stood silent in responding to him.

“Just your name sweetheart. Ok fine I will go first. I am Daniel love and probably your prospective new boss. I find the term ‘buyer’ as degrading”he introduced himself, offering his hand for a shake.

His demeanour was different from the type of men I normally encountered here. He was respectful and did not demand my body or some crazy shit from me. Reluctantly, I accepted his hand, “I am Sarah sir”.

He ran his hand through his pepper coloured hair and smiled, “do not call me that please, just call me Daniel or Mr Will”

He really is so respectful. What could a well behaved man like him doing in such a gathering?

I nodded to his request, not knowing what else to say. “I really hope I get to employ you before any one else takes you”he winked at me before leaving which left me with a mixture of emotions.

Why is he being such a gentleman to me? He is not using degrading words but formal language. I really hope he gets to buy me. Maybe he is my ticket to finally quitting this horrible occupation.

“Handsome and respectful. You have gotten yourself quite a man there” my only friend and colleague, Sofia, nudged at my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Very funny sofia. No one here is respectful. Just horny men”

Sofia hummed but she giggled at the end. Almost immediately, Mr Dave came out to address the crowd, signifying the start of the function. I was the first in the line, therefore, it meant I would be the first to be sold.

My stomach churned with disgust the moment my bidding began. I watched in despair,as bargains began over me, with each bidder bidding higher than the last. I just hope my new owner would not be much of a psychopathic jerk like the last one. But the sight of the men bidding on me proved me otherwise.

“Ten million dollars” I heard a farmiliar voice say, silencing the uproar of the crowd. It was Daniel. He was really going to buy me. I felt this joy within me knowing he was the one going to buy me. Silence like wild fire ran through the hall.

“Anyone willing to pay higher and buy this lovely damsel?” Mr Dave asked for the umpteenth time after a long while of no response. The men murmured amongst themselves but no one could bid higher. A gloaty smile played on Daniel’s lips at the thought of getting me.

Just when my torment was over, a deep masculine voice echoed out.

"Thirty million" I heard a male voice echo round the walls of the hall which silenced everyone.

Who would bid that high just to buy me?

"Thirty million dollars" the male voice spoke up once again, a young man striding confidently forward like he owned the very building with his bidding card raised up.

He was eighty percent taller than everyone in attendance. I sucked in breath at his refined but cold appearance. His tuxedo hugged his body and showed of his impeccable muscles. His dark long hair was slick and let to fall, not a single strand out of place. He had the profile of a greek god but his features lacked warmth and empathy.

His brown steel eyes burrowed into mine, a look of disgust on his face for me.

"Sold!" the chairman hit the gavel on the table after a brief moment of silence since no one else was willing to bid higher.

A wave of ovation took the hall, men chattering amongst themselves and whistling.

My eyes locked with Daniel's, defeat washing over us both. He badly wanted to bid higher but he couldn't.

"Get her ready and bring her to me" the man pivoted and sharply ordered one of the armed bodyguards standing close to the podium.

He owns me now.